Coral Act’s purpose

Re the July 24 letter “Protect my Florida::” I don’t think the writer realized the real purpose of the this legislation. Under the guise of coral/coral reef/climate change research, Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carlos Curbelo are attempting to enact legislation eliminating a vital remedy needed to preserve resources in Biscayne National Park.

Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson are moving forward with a companion bill in the Senate. The contested remedy is establishment of a marine reserve zone, occupying just 6 percent of the existing habitat, where fishing is prohibited to allow re-population of a depleted habitat. All other recreational uses of the area are encouraged.

Establishment of this zone follows 15 years of research and a transparent public process by the National Park Service, which has embraced the best interest of this ecosystem for current and future visitors to this invaluable natural resource.

S.J. Leidner, Miami

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